Tom Pointer

Every Monday we will be bringing you an unsigned singer or band as part of our Independent Music Monday feature. This week, we caught up with Tom Pointer find out more about him…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?I was born and raised in Southampton and my family listened to music all the time, they still do! I was exposed to all genres, classical in the morning, rock in the car and disco in the kitchen. I tried a few instruments, but eventually stuck with guitar.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?I loved anything with soul. I first learnt some acoustic Paolo Nutini songs and then The White Stripes got me playing up an electric. Nowadays I’m drawn to anything with unique lyrics. I was hooked on James Bay’s debut album and now artists like Sam Fender and Isaac Gracie are on repeat.

How would you describe your sound?Blues-tinged pop with a hint of R ‘n B, a recipe of all my influences!

What is your latest single called and what was the influence behind it?My new single is called ‘Nobody’ and it’s a combination of attitude and bitterness. It’s a song about false pretences, not just of people, but also of the world we live in. Most people grow up being told ‘You need this to do that, you can’t do that without this…”. Don’t listen, work hard and make your own story.

What’s your local music scene like?I was lucky enough to grow up with the famous ‘Joiners’ venue in Southampton on my doorstep! Now I’m based in London I’ll travel anywhere for a good gig, I love live music more than ever right now.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months? Any albums or festivals?I’ll be at The Great Escape festival in Brighton in May and then I’ll be back in the studio, there’s so many songs I want people to hear! Definitely another single and headline show this year, maybe an EP who knows...

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?There’s some brilliant young British songwriters at the moment. Izzy Bizu has dreamy soul-pop feel that seduces you and Tom Grennan has a genuine gritty style, excited to see what comes next from them both.

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?It’s always the hard men in the back with a pint and tattoos that compliment me on the slow ballads after gigs, I have no idea why but it happens regularly!

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?I love to chat, come to a gig and say hello :)